Cookie Recipes - Bars, Squares and Slices

Gooey Pecan Pie Bars

2 cups all-purpose flour
1/2 cup granulated sugar
1/8 teaspoon salt
3/4 cup butter
1 cup packed light brown sugar
1 cup light colored corn syrup
1/2 cup butter
4 eggs, slightly beaten
2 1/2 cups finely chopped pecans
1 teaspoon vanilla extract

In a large mixing bowl stir together flour, granulated sugar and salt. Using a pastry blender, cut in 3/4 cup of butter until the mixture resembles fine crumbs. Press the mixture evenly into a greased 13 x 9 x 2-inch baking pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 to 18 minutes or until lightly browned; set aside.

In a medium saucepan, combine the brown sugar, corn syrup and 1/2 cup butter. Bring to boiling over MEDIUM heat, stirring constantly. Remove from heat.

Place the eggs in a medium bowl; beat slightly. Gradually stir about 1/2 cup of the hot mixture into eggs. Return all mixture to saucepan. Stir in pecans and vanilla extract. Pour nut mixture over baked crust.

Bake for 30 to 32 minutes more or until the filling is set. Cool in the pan on a wire rack. Cut into bars to serve.

Makes 20 to 32 bars.